General
relou
What does relou mean?
Used for an annoying situation or chore, not just a person.
"C'est relou de devoir y retourner. = It's a pain to have to go back."
Origin
Banlieue verlan from 'lourd', widespread in everyday French since the 1990s. Because 'lourd' already meant 'heavy-going / annoying', the verlan form simply gave that sense a fresh slang skin.
Frequently asked questions
What does relou mean?
It's verlan for 'lourd' (heavy) and means annoying, tiresome, or a pain.
Can relou describe a person?
Yes — it commonly describes an annoying person or a creep who won't take a hint, as well as annoying situations.
Where did relou come from?
From verlan, the syllable-inverting slang of the French banlieues.
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